Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has issued warns saying the Carnarvon National Park’s vivid, dynamic rock art is at risk from people intent on creating self-indulgent, unlawful selfies for use on social media.
Senior Ranger, Luke Male said the rock art sites were of international importance, and the park was a great place to view and learn about the meaning of this part of Indigenous culture.
“Some visitors to Carnarvon National Park think the rules don’t apply to them and they’re entering Restricted Access Areas to pose for photos,” Mr Male said.
“In some instances, they are posing in front of Indigenous rock art that is thousands of years old, or they’re actually touching it.”
He said the QPWS made no apology for taking compliance action against people who broke the rules because they believed themselves to be social media influencers.
“In the past year, Rangers have issued 18 fines to people in the Carnarvon National Park for various offences including camping in a protected area and fire offences,” Mr Male said.
“We have also issued six $431 fines to people who have entered Restricted Access Areas to take selfies or touch the rock face.”
He said the ochre stencil art of the region was unique, diverse, highly complex and spectacular, and the rock art was embedded within sandstone that was incredibly fragile.
“It is a great honour and privilege for us to be able to see these rock art sites, and touching them can damage cultural artefacts that are thousands of years old,” Mr Male said.
“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is committed to protecting and preserving the natural and cultural values of our national parks, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to people who break the rules.”
